Protogrid

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Protogrid
Basic data

developer ATEGRA AG
Current  version 2.0
operating system Web browser , Apple iOS
programming language Python , JavaScript
category Integrated development environment , rapid application development , PaaS
License PaaS
German speaking Yes
www.protogrid.com

Protogrid is software for the rapid application development of workflow and information system solutions.

Origin and classification

Protogrid is an integrated application development and operations platform for information systems and business applications . Protogrid is offered in the cloud as Platform as a Service (PaaS) . Protogrid includes server and client . The client is available for web browsers , iOS, Android (beta), Windows, macOS X (beta) and Linux (beta). A user interface for software developers is part of the Protogrid environment. This is designed in such a way that the rapid application development method is supported. In the back are NoSQL databases used. Business logic can be added using JavaScript .

Protogrid belongs to the category of software development platforms with a universal approach to developing information systems with portability on different platforms. In 2013, the first prototype was presented at the “NoSQL” 2013 conference in Barcelona under the title “Building information systems using rapid application development methods”. The prototype was then called xForge and was later renamed Protogrid. After a total of three years of development, Version 1.0 of Protogrid was published at the beginning of 2015. One of the developers described the technical considerations in a technical article.

Purpose and areas of application

Protogrid is suitable for the development and operation of individual software in the information systems category , for mobile business apps and for workflow applications. The price model only allows organizations with a clearly definable group of users (users must be on the payroll). B. is too expensive for clubs. When an environment is activated for the first time , a number of so-called start applications are set up. These are open source and should show possible areas of application.

Further examples of applications are room reservation systems, an application for organizing in-house training, document storage, investment applications, project applications, redundant ticketing systems in the event of a total failure of the local IT infrastructure , time recording , expense recording , simple industry-specific CRM , a product catalog available on mobile devices , operational Social work ( case management ), the collection and evaluation of project ideas and personnel deployment planning .

properties

According to SourceForge , Protogrid has the following properties:

  • Portability ( platform independence): Protogrid applications that were developed on one platform can be used on the other supported platforms without additional programming effort.
  • Optimization for touchscreens and operation with fingers
  • Responsive design : Protogrid applications can be used on all screen sizes. Fields and columns are automatically arranged as sensibly as possible. However, some developers rate this as unsuitable because they do not have the desired freedom in Protogrid (see review).
  • Cloud: The Protogrid servers are located in a cloud and no servers need to be installed. The programs developed with Protogrid are operated with the Internet browser.
  • Offline use
  • Rapid application development

criticism

As in other development environments, fields and labels cannot be placed anywhere in Protogrid, since Protogrid determines this itself depending on the device class and the screen size. Slow screen build-ups have also been reported in certain environments. It remains to be seen whether the improvements hoped for from the recently released version 2.0 will materialize. The offline capability advertised by Protogrid can only be partially recognized at the moment. The web and desktop versions only work with a stable internet connection. The Android client has been in beta status for almost three years. Protogrid's pricing model makes it difficult for club members to work , as they usually pay a relatively low membership fee to the club.

Technical basis

Protogrid is based exclusively on open source software . These include in particular:

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ conference dmconf15 in Barcelona
  2. ↑ List of abstracts at 'NoSQL' 2013 in Barcelona
  3. ↑ Slides of the first presentation of Protogrid aka 'xForge' in Barcelona (PDF)
  4. ↑ Dominik Rüttimann: Rapid Application Development for future mobile systems. Retrieved May 14, 2019 .
  5. ↑ Protogrid apps in the Apple App Store
  6. ↑ Description on Sourceforge
  7. ↑ Capterra Review